"My sword is in the sea. It belonged to my father, my mistress, and myself," said Ludar, shortly. The Spaniard inclined his head, with a faint smile. "His Majesty is unfortunate not to be a fourth in so honourable a company," said he. Ludar looked confused, and his brow clouded. He was no match for any man when it came to compliments. "Sir," said he, "I am indebted to your watch for my life, and to his Majesty, your King, for my dinner. I am sorry it is so, but I cannot help it. If you command it, I am bound to make payment; and, since I have no money, you have a right to the service of my hands till we be quits." Don Alonzo looked him from head to foot and smiled again. "Sir Ludar is his Majesty's guest on this ship," said he, with a fine motion of the head. "Any service he may render I shall be honoured to accept. I refer him to Captain Desmond, here, for further intelligence." "And you, Senor," said he, addressing me with somewhat less ceremony, "you are English?" "I thank Heaven, yea," said I, "a humble servant to her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, and a foe to her enemies." "And your estate?" demanded he, coldly ignoring my tone. "I have no estate. I am a plain London 'prentice." "We shall have the honour of restoring you to London shortly," said he. "Meanwhile Sir Ludar shall not be deprived of the service of his squire." Then turning to his officers, he occupied himself again with the chart, and left Captain Desmond to conduct us from the cabin. Neither Ludar nor I was much elated by this interview, but it relieved us, at least, of any immediate prospect of execution, and, unless the Don were jesting, consigned us to no very intolerable service on board his ship. From Captain Desmond, who was not a little impressed by the commander's reception of Ludar, we learned rather more of the expedition and its prospects than before. "If all go well," said he, "we shall be in English waters to-morrow, and a week later should have dealt with the enemy's fleet and be landed at Dover. This Don Alonzo, it is said, will be appointed governor of London, till the King arrive. He is a prime favourite at the Spanish Court, in proof whereof the _Rata_ carries a crew of the noblest youth of Spain, committed to his care for this great venture. They are hungry for battle, but, alack! I fear we shall none of us get more than will whet our appetite. As for you and me, McDonnell, this business is like to settle scores between our houses and the vixen--" "Stay, Captain Desmond," said Ludar, interposing suddenly betwixt me and this blasphemer. "My comrade here is a servant of Elizabeth, and has no sword. As for me, my queen is dead--dead on the scaffold. I hate the English Queen as you do; but, if I fight against her, it shall be in my own quarrel, and no man else's. Therefore appoint us a duty whereby we may repay the Spanish King his hospitality, without fighting his battles." The Irishman shrugged his shoulders.